Maria Dienerowitz

Prof. Maria Dienerowitz is a Professor at Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena specializing in laser technology and biophotonics. She teaches core courses including Laser Technology, Quantum Optics, and Vacuum Technology across Bachelor's and Master's programs while leading three major research initiatives: BioLOC (Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung-funded Lab-on-a-Chip system for molecular dynamics), OPTO (historical spectacle lens analysis with the German Optical Museum), and TOOLS (DFG-funded tailored optics for life sciences).

Her research centers on advanced optical manipulation techniques including the ABEL trap for single-molecule studies without surface binding and holographic optical tweezers for nanoparticle control. Key focus areas encompass real-time enzyme kinetics of molecular motors like F-ATP synthase, single-molecule FRET dynamics, and nanoparticle characterization in biological contexts. This work bridges fundamental physics with biomedical applications through innovations in trapping methodology and optical instrumentation.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals strong continuity in optical trapping methodologies with increasing biomedical applications since 2020. Her work demonstrates consistent contributions to single-molecule biophysics (particularly molecular motor studies), nanoparticle manipulation, and optical instrumentation development, with growing emphasis on life science interfaces evident in her Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung and DFG-funded projects.

Prof. Dienerowitz currently oversees a research team comprising scientific staff members working across the BioLOC, OPTO, and TOOLS projects, including Dr. Jakub Malohlava (TOOLS), Maryam Shahrezaei (BioLoc), and Frederic Braun (TOOLS). Her laboratory infrastructure supports optical trap development, nanoparticle characterization, and molecular dynamics studies through equipment funded by the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung and German Research Foundation.